Sample sweet treats at New Products Show
Sample new candies in the market along with local treats at the 47th annual Food and New Products Show at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall Friday to Oct.16.
A visit to Keiki Kandyland at the show means free samples of new M&M’s, Reese’s and Hershey’s chocolates, Haribo gummy bears and more for keiki.
Families can also take photos with costumed characters: Mr. and Mrs. M&M, the M&M keiki, Mr. Jelly Belly and others.
There will also be games, a coloring contest, balloon magic and a saimin-eating contest, with proceeds from the event benefiting nonprofit group Kids Hurt Too.
The Food and New Products Show takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 15 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 16. General admission is $3, $1 for military and free for children 12 and under.
Local Shinto shrine celebrates traditional children’s festival
Children dressed in kimonos visit a Shinto shrine at Hawaii Kotohira Jinsha — Hawaii Dazaifu Tenmangu in celebration of the Shichigosan Children’s Festival, Oct. 16 to Nov. 20.
Shichigosan, a traditional Japanese event, is celebrated by 3- and 5-year-old girls and 3- and 7-year-old boys. The children report to the shrine, located at 1239 Olomea St. in Kalihi, to receive blessings and omamori, goodie bags and candy. The shrine was established in 1920 to perpetuate Shinto traditions in Hawaii.
Complimentary kimono use and dressing, hair and makeup services are offered upon request. A $50 donation is requested. Make reservations by calling 841-4755, emailing kotohira@hawaiiantel.net or visiting www.e-shrine.org for a downloadable reservation form.
Jack-o’-lantern in tape can win prize
Tired of trying to carve the perfect jack-o’-lantern? Consider wrapping your pumpkin in Duck Tape brand duct tape and entering a contest to win $1,000.
The tape, available in more than 30 colors, can transform a pumpkin into a mummy, cat or witch.
Enter your creation by submitting a photograph to stickortreat.com by Nov. 1. A panel of judges will choose winners based on originality, workmanship, use of color and quantity of duct tape used. The grand prize winner receives $1,000; second place, $500; and third place, $250. How-to instructions and official rules are posted on the website.
Do not use images from video games, books or cartoons, existing works of art or sports team mascots or logos. Winners will be announced on the www.duckbrand.com website around Nov. 16.
Harvest pumpkins or corn at Ewa farm
Families can choose the perfect pumpkin or pick Ewa sweet corn at Aloun Farms on Saturdays and Sundays in October, starting next weekend.
Festivities at the ninth annual Great Kapolei Pumpkin Picking Patch include tractor-pulled hayrides, pony rides, picture booths, games and farm-style food from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 15 and 16, 22 and 23 and 29 and 30.
Aloun Farms is at 91-1440 Farrington Hwy. in Kapolei. Admission is $1; ages 2 and under are free. Pumpkins are priced according to their individual size. Cash only. Call 677-9516 for information.
Master pumpkin carver leads decorating charge at Blaisdell festival
It’s pumpkin time, but we’re not talking about Cinderella’s enchanted coach. We’re just planting a seed in your mind about the second annual Pumpkin Carving Festival, to be held Oct. 22 at the Neal Blaisdell Center’s Hawaii Suites. More than 1,000 people came to carve or watch last year’s event.
This year’s festival will feature master pumpkin carver Ed Moody, known as “Pumpkin Ed,” from Frankfort, Mich. He will bring three 1,000-pound pumpkins to carve at the festival.
“He does this every year — he will carve about a dozen to 20 pumpkins, 800 pounds on up, and display them in his front yard,” said Billie Gabriel, organizer of the festival.
Families participating in the festival can get one medium-size pumpkin for $30 or two for $55, plus carving tools, stencils and a work table. Sessions are scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m., noon to 2 p.m. or 3 to 5 p.m. The event is a benefit for the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center and Keiki o ka Aina Family Learning Centers. Visit pumpkincarvingfestival.org for registration forms or call 843-2502 for information.
‘Treats & Tails’ explores darker side of Honolulu Zoo
Before the big trick-or-treat session on Halloween, keiki can warm up with “Treats & Tails” at the Honolulu Zoo from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 28 and 29.
It’s a guided tour of Honolulu Zoo after the doors are officially closed, with an emphasis on the spookier side of the park.
Keiki are invited to come in Halloween costumes and celebrate with zoo residents. There will be a costume contest and treats along the way.
Cost is $18 for adults ($16 members), $14 ages 3 to 12 ($12 members). Reservations are recommended. Call 971-7195 or visit www.honzoosoc.org/calendar.htm.
